Jon Shanks of the Institution’s Structural Futures Committee, discusses the small steps already being taken towards new means of construction, and how they might relate or contribute to the industry’s next Big Leap.

The Institution's Young Researchers' Conference is 20 years old this year. Throughout its history it has featured some outstanding young researchers who have gone on to enjoy prestigious careers. Here six previous winners of awards update us on their careers and give their thoughts on the future of research and structural engineering.

Kostas Kalfas presented his research on steel reinforcement cages to members of the UK Parliament on 12 March as part of “STEM for Britain”, an initiative designed to encourage, support and promote Britain's early-career researchers and stimulate British research and development. Here he discusses his research and the importance of the event.